7/19/2013

Abdication King Albert and Inauguration King Philippe of the Belgians: The schedule

The following schedule for the abdication of HM King Albert and inauguration of HM King Philippe of the Belgians has been released.

Saturday 20 July 2013
7.30 p.m. - Concert ‘Prelude to the National Celebration’ in the presence of the Royal Family at the Palais des Beaux-Arts in Brussels
9 p.m. - The "Bal national" takes place at the Jeu de Balle square in Brussels, in the presence of TM King Albert and Queen Paola and TRH the Duke and Duchess of Brabant.

Sunday 21 July 2013
9.00 a.m. - Te Deum at the Cathedral of St Michael and St Gudula in Brussels
10.30 a.m. - Abdication ceremony of King Albert II at the Royal Palace in Brussels
12 noon - King Philippe is sworn in before the two chambers of the Belgian federal parliament at the Palace of the Nation
1 p.m. - The new King and Queen and the Royal Family greet the population from the balcony of the Royal Palace on Place des Palais
2.10 p.m. - The new King pays homage to the Unknown Soldier at the Congress Column
4.05 p.m. - King Philippe reviews the civil and military troops
5 p.m. - Civil and military parade on Place des Palais
7 p.m. The new King and Queen attend the celebrations in the Parc de Bruxelles
11 p.m. - The Royal Family watches the firework display that will be launched from the Palace of the Academies on Place des Palais